GDHQNBA15_2pg-Memphis Grizzlies

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WESTERN CONFERENCE
SOUTHWEST DIVISION
Memphis
Year one of the Dave Joerger era saw the Grizzlies win 50 games and
finish the regular season on a five-game winning streak as part of a
7-3 run over their final 10.
And about the only negative last season was that was that Memphis
fell in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs to Oklahoma
City, this early exit coming one year after the Grizz made it to the 2013
Western Conference Finals.
Sure, the Grizzlies took the Thunder to seven games, but that
disappointment of losing in the first round stuck with every player
during a long offseason. “You can just tell by everybody’s body language
that they’ve been working hard and they’ve got something to prove,”
forward Zach Randolph said. “I think our team that we’ve got now is
one of the best teams since I’ve been in Memphis. I think we’re going
to surprise some people.”
DEFENSE
As a team which prides itself on physicality and grit, defense is a
huge part of the Grizzlies’ identity in the NBA, but also a big reason for
their recent success, a formula Joerger hasn’t strayed from.
No two players on their roster epitomize this mentality more than
Gasol and Randolph. Not only are both of them unafraid to play
physical, but this talented tandem considers the paint their domain and
all who enter do so at their own peril.
Memphis suffered on both ends of the floor during Gasol’s absence,
but he was missed most on the defensive end. Randolph did what he
could on his own but the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year is the anchor
to the Grizzlies defense. Gasol is one of the best at protecting the rim,
but it’s also his ability to defend
the pick-and-roll and help out that
separates him from the pack. Now
that Gasol is healthy, that’s the best
of news. Randolph might not be
the staunch defender Gasol is,
but he identifies with the team’s
defensive mantra and he’s still a
high-rate rebounder on both ends.
Small forward Tayshaun Prince
might be showing some age at 34,
but he’s still a valuable defender.
His length and mobility presents
problems for perimeter players.
He’s also no stranger to the teamoriented
defensive approach
(Prince played a similar role on a
championship Pistons squad from
a decade ago), making him an
experienced cog on a defense.
Before they get to the paint,
opposing teams have to face
Memphis’ defensive backcourt
sieve. Noted stopper Tony Allen
will again lock up the opposition’s
most explosive guard on that end
of the floor, while point guard
Conley is an extremely underrated
defender whose quickness nets
him plenty of steals and ball
pressure on counterparts.
With most of last year’s team returning, continuity also figures to help
Memphis on both ends of the floor. Having a year in Joerger’s system,
knowing the concepts and what he expects within that system should
lead to tangible results.
“Things come a little bit easier when you’ve got four or five guys
that have played together for multiple years. It makes it easier for the
coaches. You don’t have to explain as much. Practices go smoother
and it’s easier to implement a bit more,” Conley said.
OFFENSE
Memphis returns all four double-figure scorers (Conley, Gasol,
Courtney Lee and Randolph) from a team that averaged 96.1 points
per game last season, fourth-lowest in the NBA. The other member of
their starting five, Prince, averaged a career-low six points per game
and shot 29 percent from beyond the arc last season.
But Prince, who was slowed by a preseason injury a year ago but
still managed to play 76 games, is now healthy. “Yeah, I am as healthy
as I’ve been in a while, but I think the most important thing is trying to
Mike Conley
Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE/Getty Images